Many of us have endured lots of rain this spring, but the payoff has been worth it. On our little hillside, tightly compacted foliage now covers trees and shrubs. Hearty blades of grass press thickly together like subway travelers at rush hour. The whole landscape is so green, you’d think we lived on the Emerald Isle.
(Trees and shrubs behind our house. ‘Wish the light was better,
but it’s another day of clouds and rain.)
Close inspection reveals, however, that spring foliage comes in many more shades of green than emerald.
Isn’t green a glorious color? No matter the shade, there’s something about green that breathes restoration and life into our beings.
Researchers have studied the response of the body when a person is surrounded by a particular color. Green causes muscles to relax and blood vessels to dilate. Therefore, it has a calming effect and lowers stress.
The positive effects of green are even more pronounced when we get outdoors. Studies have shown that such capacities as short-term memory, mental energy, creativity and concentration all improve after time spent in nature. Even five minutes can produce positive effects.
Researchers are even discovering restorative responses in the body after a person has been outdoors. For example, inflammation decreases, nearsightedness is less pronounced, and the immune system improves.
What do you suppose accounts for all those benefits? Perhaps God intentionally designed his creation (at least in part) to provide restoration of body, soul, and spirit–for us.
The challenge is getting out there. Too often I’ve allowed indoor tasks and activities to take precedence over sitting on the deck or taking a walk.
And once situated on the deck or strolling in the neighborhood, I need to take note of my surroundings. If my mind is preoccupied with the to-do list or troubling concerns, restoration is not going to happen. I have to pay attention.
How?
Engage the senses.
- Take note of the light dappling the foliage.
- Listen to the breezes whisper among the evergreens.
- Fill the lungs with pure air cleansed by flourishing, CO2-breathing trees.
- Touch the cool, curled edges of the geranium leaves.
Experience the wonder.
- Limbs and gentle winds join in an intermittent dance.
- Leaves bob and sway.
- Treetops enthusiastically participate; creek bed foliage plays the wallflower, quiet and still.
- Sun glints through the woods, creating a spotlight effect on some branches. Others are draped in deep, green-black shadow.
And the most important step of all:
Express gratitude.
I thank you, Father, for the gift of greenery, the grandeur of stately trees, the delight of shapely leaves, the peaceful calm of an open field or forest temple.
I thank you for the lessons they teach—reminders to grow our roots deep into your love (Ephesians 3:17), to be watered by your Word (Psalm 1:2-3), and to live in the Light of your Son, Jesus (John 8:12).
It’s not just the infinite heavens that declare your glory and display your wisdom and power (Psalm 19:1). Even the minutest of plants offers evidence of your splendor and artistry.
The whole of nature is your living room, God, and I humbly thank you for the precious privilege of meeting you there.
(“Nature is God’s living room,” a Michael Hyatt creative expression.)
Photo credits: www.pexels.com; Nancy Ruegg (3), http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.pexels.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pexels.com (2), http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; geograph.org.uk; http://www.maxpixels.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.pexels.com.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy. Beautiful and refreshing. We did not receive spring rains but have gotten some very much needed rain this week and as always amazing how the
lawns and bushes are starting to come alive in green. Thank you and Bless you, Janet
Thank you, Janet. It IS amazing how quickly grass and shrubs green up once the rains come. Our landscape here is all the more enjoyable today because the sun is shining! In fact, I’m sitting on the deck right now, reveling in the beauty and serenity. Blessings to you, too, dear friend!
Oh, this blessed me Nancy. We share a similar environment (and a similar precipitation record!) I was so pleased to see your name in the credits for the photos–nicely done!
Such wisdom here–I’m sharing.
Thank you, Jody. You are one of my role models for availing myself of all God’s blessings in his living room! As for the photos, I’m amazed at what our iphones are capable of–a far cry from the little Brownie camera I owned as a kid!! I’m honored you considered this post worth sharing. Thank you again!
Thank you, Nancy, for such an uplifting and refreshing reminder of God’s splendor. We get so caught up in the busyness of life that we often forget the wonderful gift He has given to us through nature. Not only does it bring beauty into our lives, but it also helps to clear out the cobwebs that develop in our brains. The illustrations were also beautiful and a pleasure to see. Love to you and Steve. We still miss you.
You’re right–time outdoors DOES clear the mental cobwebs. Fresh air fosters fresh thoughts! Delighted you found the post meaningful, Ruth. Also miss you, too. And please give my regards to my friends of P.W. I still think frequently of the camaraderie and writing-work we enjoyed together.
Beautiful. I was just thinking and admiring the green outdoors today and here you express my experience so wonderfully. Thank you!!
All the rich, lush greens do grab our attention this time of year. It’s invigorating, isn’t it? Delighted I could express your experience, Jean!
Deliciously Edenesque—thank you! You have spiked my inner chlorophyll count. 🙂
Lovely tangents: Hildegard of Bingen and “veriditas” (the greening power of God) and poet e e cummings: “I thank you God . . . for the leaping greenly spirits of trees/and a blue true dream of sky/and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.”
Wonderful, wonder-full post.
Thank you, Laurie. I didn’t know we had an inner chlorophyll count, but now that you mention it, I do feel such a phenomenon makes sense. It would account for the lift of mind and spirit when we get outdoors–we’re actually breathing in some of that overabundance of chlorophyll. The greening power of God (Love that!) at work–in more ways than one. P.S. Recently came across that e e cummings poem myself. He channeled his inner chlorophyll, didn’t he?)
Thank you, Nancy for the gracious encouragement to fully appreciate God’s color of life.
Green IS the color of life, isn’t it, though I’m sure others could argue about the life in other colors as well. Delighted to be an encouragement to you, Carol. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Hello Nancy, I found interesting your post about the benefits of the Green color!
Thank you, Lee! I’m honored you stopped by.
Hi Nancy,
This is perfect on a sick day. I needed to be reminded of what the Lord has placed all around us.
In Christ,
Gary On Thu, May 25, 2017 at 12:39 PM
Sick day? I’m sorry to hear that, but glad you found encouragement through this post. Hope you’re much better tomorrow!
The Lord knows when we all need encouragement.
Green is my Mom’s favorite color! Perhaps that explains why she has such a positive outlook on life. My bedroom is green and, therefore, peaceful and comforting. Loved this post, Nancy, as I found it refreshing just looking at the pictures. (I admire your talent as a photographer!) I am so grateful for the Lord’s artistry in nature!
Our bedroom is green, too–a pale, happy green–for just the reasons you gave. It IS peaceful! I am very new to photography, and am just using my iphone, but it’s fun–especially with Elena and Maarit! With you, I too am very grateful for the Lord’s artistry. The hills are alive with HIS music!
Love this post. I enjoy the outdoors. Green is a relaxing color
Thank you, Sam. So glad you enjoyed this post.